What Is a Sour Beer?
Sour beers are a distinctive brew, celebrated for their unconventional flavours that range from a subtle tang to a delightful tartness. But what is a sour beer? In the following blog post, Chris Hall, our General Manager and qualified beer sommelier introduces you to what makes sour beers special, from their ingredients to their brewing process, and explains how you can get your hands on the very best of British sour beers.
The key characteristics of sour beer
Sour beer refers to a category of beer defined by its intentionally acidic, tart, or sour flavour profile. This intriguing taste is a nod to a brewing tradition with roots in 19th-century Belgian breweries, that later came to Britain in the 70s and stuck with those who wanted something fruitier than the popular-at-the-time bitter ales and stouts.
Historically, these beers were crafted using spontaneous fermentation, allowing wild yeasts and bacteria to impart the beer with its characteristic tang. Although the popularity of sour beers waned with the advent of more hop-centric brews, the last few decades have seen a resurgence, with beer enthusiasts around the globe embracing the complex and refreshing flavours of sour beers.
The appeal of sour beers is the possibility of a huge range of flavour combinations that you will rarely taste in other types of beer. Each variety of sour beer presents a unique palette of sensations, often combining a pronounced tartness with notes of fruit, spices, and a gentle sweetness. The intensity of the sourness varies widely among different types, from mildly tangy to boldly sour, making sour beers a versatile and intriguing choice for a broad array of palates. This range not only makes sour beers an exciting category to explore but also makes them exceptional companions to a variety of culinary delights, enhancing and complementing a range of dishes.
The brewing process
Like all beers, the soul of a sour beer is found in its brewing process - one that combines tradition and innovation.
Since the craft beer revolution in the late 2010s, there’s been an increasing trend to push the boundaries on flavours, styles and strengths. Sour beers are a pretty recent addition to the scene and while they may be an acquired taste, they can be thirst quenching and refreshing. There are beers available now that replicate the flavours of soft drinks, sweets and even a kiwi, melon and mango sour.
Modern brewers have embraced a more scientific approach, introducing precise techniques to control the souring process. Methods like kettle souring, where the wort (unfermented beer) is soured before fermentation, allow brewers to fine-tune the acidity levels, ensuring consistency and opening up the recipe for creativity. This blend of traditional wisdom and modern science has led to an exciting evolution in the world of sour beers, with an ever-growing array of flavours and styles.
At the heart of sour beer's distinctive taste is a carefully curated ensemble of ingredients. The choice of yeast and bacteria is essential, with specific strains being celebrated for their souring abilities. These microorganisms metabolise sugars and produce lactic acid, which lends the beer its characteristic sourness. Then, the selection of malt, hops, and additional flavourings like fruits or spices can dramatically influence the beer's final character.
The composition of sour beers
The ABV in sour beers varies significantly, spanning from a modest 3% to a higher 8%. This variance caters to a wide spectrum of preferences, offering lighter, session-able options for those seeking a refreshing drink, as well as more substantial choices for enthusiasts looking to savour each sip. This flexibility means that sour beers can suit various occasions, moods and individual tastes, making them a versatile choice for any beer lover.
Water also plays a vital part in brewing sour beer. As well as being the base of the beer, it can influence the final flavour profile. The mineral content of the water, particularly its pH and hardness, interacts with the souring bacteria and the other ingredients, gently shaping the beer's acidity and overall taste. Brewers pay meticulous attention to the water used in brewing sour beers, often adjusting the mineral content to achieve the perfect balance with the souring agents and other components.
Exploring sour beers with Best of British Beer
At Best of British Beer, we understand that the essence of a great beer experience lies in variety and quality. That's why we've dedicated ourselves to assembling a collection of sour beers from the landscape using our connections with over 500 independent Scottish, Welsh, and English breweries. From the gently tart to the boldly acidic, from the fruity to the funky, our curated range ensures that every enthusiast finds a sour beer brew that resonates with their unique palate.
Each beer in our collection is a product of top-quality brewing and a respect for tradition and innovation. We pride ourselves on featuring independent breweries, many of which of which offer award-winning beers, ensuring that every sip you take is a testament to the best that British brewing has to offer.
We believe that the journey into the world of sour beers should be as personal and engaging as the beers themselves. That's why we take a bespoke approach to our service, working directly with each brewery to ensure that the beer you receive is not just fresh but also tells a story. Our close relationship with the breweries allows us to bring you the most authentic and vibrant flavours, straight from the cask to your glass.
Our range is ever changing as new producers and beer flavours come on the scene, but we’re proud to partner with breweries including Six Degrees North from Dundee, Stillwater, Yonder and Bristol based Wiper & True
If you fancy sampling our taster pack of British sour beers click here or call us today for recommendations for yourself or as gifts on 01782 405472.
